Southaven scores
Softball, baseball tourneys boost local economy
The Dizzy Dean World Series has arrived in Southaven, bringing more than 100 softball and baseball teams to play at Greenbrook and Snowden Grove parks for the next two weeks.
The tournament, which has an option to remain in the city through 2019, highlights the economic impact that youth baseball has made in Southaven.
City and tourism officials estimate the teams, along with the thousands of fans, parents and coaches, pump $7 million to $10 million into the local economy by shopping, buying gas, eating at restaurants and filling hotels and other lodgings in the city and DeSoto County.
“It is huge for the city,” said Alderman George Payne. “I would love nothing more than for Southaven to become a youth sports mecca in the country. We love Dizzy Dean, and the businesses look forward to it every year.”
Sharon Turner, one of the owners of Gracie Bleu yogurt on Goodman Road near Snowden Grove Park, said she estimates her business increases 20-25 percent when the tournaments come to town.
“We’ve been open two summers, and the tournaments definitely have an impact on our business,” Turner said.
The World Series kicked off Thursday with the girl’s softball tournament, where 48 teams are playing at Southaven’s Greenbrook Park and 92 baseball teams start play Saturday at the 17-field Snowden Grove Park.
On July 17-23 and July 19-25, more baseball teams are slated to play at Greenbrook and Snowden Grove as the World Series continues.
Ginger Adams, the executive director of the Southaven Chamber of Commerce, said that with the tournaments bringing so many people to the area, she hopes it will bring visitors back for longer stays.
“Southaven is a certified retirement community, and I think with the tournaments we get a chance to highlight our community for future travel or relocation,” Adams said.
Southaven estimates that the tournaments bring in about $1.6 million a year for the city’s coffers. The money goes into the general fund, and most of it is spent maintaining the parks.